Foreign visitors coming to Korea should have a valid passport and visa, except for those from the 99 nations with which Korea has a special agreement. Visitors from the 99 countries are allowed to stay in Korea temporarily without visa.
For further information on the processes of visa issuance and modification, visit the Korean Immigration Bureau Website.
Visa Issuance
- Changes in Visa Status
- Foreigners must receive permission to change the status of their stay if they want to engage in new activities that are not covered or permitted under their current visa. As a general rule, foreigners seeking to change their visa status are required to first leave Korea. The applicant can then re-enter the country to obtain the newly issued visa.
- However, some circumstances exist which allow individuals to change their visa status without having to leave the country. A limited change of status can be earned by passing a rigid examination.
- Documents to be submitted
- Application form, passport, alien registration card, attached document for status, application fee
Alteration of Place of Employment
- Foreign individuals are required to depart Korea within 14 days of the expiration date of their contract in order to change their job or place of employment, and they must once again obtain permission from the Immigration Office to work in the country, as they did before.
Applicant |
• Temporary Employment (C-4) | • Profession (E-5) |
|---|---|---|
| • Intra-company Transfer (D-7) | • Culture/Arts (E-6) | |
| • Treaty Investment (D-8) | • Specially designated Activities (E-7) | |
| • Treaty Trade (D-9) | • Training Employment (E-8) | |
| • Professor (E-1) | • Nonprofessional employment (E-9) | |
| • Foreign Language Teaching (E-2) | • Labor Aboard(E-10) | |
| • Research (E-3) | • Working Holiday (H-1) | |
| • Technological Guidance(E-4) |
- Requirements and documents
- Visit in person a district or a branch office
- Documents to be submitted : Application form, passport and alien registration card, additional document per status, fee